Ice Storm Warning

Locations Affected

Eau Claire, WI ∙ Colburn, WI ∙ Seymour, WI ∙ Fairchild, WI ∙ Howard, WI ∙ Lafayette, WI ∙ Pleasant Valley, WI ∙ Goetz, WI ∙ Otter Creek, WI ∙ Ruby, WI

Headline

...MESSY SPRING SYSTEM BRINGS FREEZING RAIN, SLEET, AND SNOW THROUGH THIS MORNING...
.Western and central Minnesota will experience mainly slushy wet snow with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, meanwhile rain is favored in southern and southeastern Minnesota. In between the snow and rain, a messy wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain will result in ice accumulations and slippery travel. There is still a moderate degree of uncertainty regarding ice accumulation amounts, due to temperatures being very close to freezing and a fluctuation of only a degree or two likely having a large impact on final amounts.
The greatest impacts from icing and freezing rain will occur over western Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota, with accumulations up to a quarter inch in Minnesota and a few tenths of an inch in Wisconsin. Power outages are possible due to icing of power lines in addition to gusty winds, and slippery to impossible travel will occur where ice accumulates. Slow travel from wet slushy snow is expected in western and central Minnesota.

Full Alert Message

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 303 AM CDT Thu Apr 2 2026 ...MESSY SPRING SYSTEM BRINGS FREEZING RAIN, SLEET, AND SNOW THROUGH THIS MORNING... .Western and central Minnesota will experience mainly slushy wet snow with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, meanwhile rain is favored in southern and southeastern Minnesota. In between the snow and rain, a messy wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain will result in ice accumulations and slippery travel. There is still a moderate degree of uncertainty regarding ice accumulation amounts, due to temperatures being very close to freezing and a fluctuation of only a degree or two likely having a large impact on final amounts. The greatest impacts from icing and freezing rain will occur over western Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota, with accumulations up to a quarter inch in Minnesota and a few tenths of an inch in Wisconsin. Power outages are possible due to icing of power lines in addition to gusty winds, and slippery to impossible travel will occur where ice accumulates. Slow travel from wet slushy snow is expected in western and central Minnesota. ...ICE STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CDT TODAY... * WHAT...Significant icing. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch, sleet accumulations around one quarter of an inch, and ice accumulations between two tenths and one quarter of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. * WHERE...Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties. * WHEN...Until noon CDT today. * IMPACTS...Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact the Thursday morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Prepare for possible power outages. Call 5 1 1 or visit 511wi.gov for road conditions. Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.

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